Growth Charts

Growth charts are used by pediatricians, dietitians, nurses, and parents
to assess the growth of infants, children, and adolescents. In the United
States, growth charts are created by the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) and assess weight, height, and
body mass index
(BMI). Each chart consists of a series of percentile curves that are used
to compare the body measurements of children to others their age and
gender. For example, a five-year-old girl whose weight falls in the 25th
percentile weighs the same as or more than 25 percent of other
five-year-old girls—and less than 75 percent of other five-year-old
girls.

Amy N. Marlow

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